Thursday, September 29, 2022

CIMSEC: Naval Operations Across South American Rivers: The “Other” Theater of Operations

 

"Naval Operations Across South American Rivers: The “Other” Theater of Operations"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Southern Tide

Center for International Maritime Security

29 September

Originally published: https://cimsec.org/naval-operations-across-south-american-rivers-the-other-theater-of-operations/

When thinking about navies, there is a natural tendency to focus on operations in the open sea and the role of carriers, frigates, and submarines. However, aside from protecting their territorial waters and exclusive economic zones, South American navies have another equally important theater of operation: inland water bodies like lakes and rivers.

The recently concluded riverine exercises ACRUX X and BRACOLPER and even last year’s UNITAS 2021 demonstrate the importance that regional navies place on inland bodies of water and riverine populations. Activities carried out by local navies, not to mention other armed services, including defense/security operations, combating crimes (illegal mining and smuggling are significant problems in the region), search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations. In South America, the armed forces help extend the reach of the state to areas where civilian agencies do not operate; navies utilize rivers as a system of complex highways via which they can move and operate just as efficiently as in the open sea.

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Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Geopolitical Monitor: "GUAM 2.0: Can Free Trade Revive the Forgotten Regional Bloc?"

 

"GUAM 2.0: Can Free Trade Revive the Forgotten Regional Bloc?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Situational Report

Geopolitical Monitor

28 September 2022

Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/guam-2-0-can-free-trade-revive-the-forgotten-regional-bloc/

There were many, many, many speeches, announcements, meetings, side meetings, and agreements during the recent UN General Assembly (UNGA). In this cacophony of information, which addresses just about every issue happening across the globe, it is easy for one announcement to get lost. That is precisely the case of a protocol signed in New York by the foreign affairs ministers of Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova (GUAM) to create a free trade zone. With the new deal, GUAM, a long-dormant regional grouping, may get a second life.

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Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Shephard Media: Uruguay receives more donations

 

"Uruguay receives more donations"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Defence Notes

Shephard Media

27 September, 2022

Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-notes/uruguay-receives-more-donations/

The Uruguayan army and navy are receiving second-hand platforms from key allies Brazil and the US

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Thursday, September 22, 2022

The Diploma: " Kazakhstan Continues to Break Ranks With Russia"

 

 

"Kazakhstan Continues to Break Ranks With Russia" 

Crossroads Asia

The Diplomat

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

22 September 2022

Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2022/09/kazakhstan-continues-to-break-ranks-with-russia/

The not-so-subtle criticism of the Russian government regarding Ukraine in Kazakh President Tokayev’s UNGA speech should not be overlooked.

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Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Geopolitical Monitor: UNAMA and Kazakhstan: Filling the Void in Afghanistan

 

"UNAMA and Kazakhstan: Filling the Void in Afghanistan"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

Geopolitical Monitor

21 September 2022

Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/unama-and-kazakhstan-filling-the-void-in-afghanistan/

When the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the global community was genuinely perplexed about how to deal with this unwelcome development. A year later, the situation remains the same: the Taliban remains in power, it is not recognized by the international community (though some governments have established diplomatic relations), and Afghanistan is still regarded as a pariah state. There are obvious concerns that the country will become, once again, the headquarters for terrorist organizations from where they can launch operations abroad.

In this problematic and dangerous situation, few organizations continue to operate in Afghanistan; one is the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The support of Central Asian states has been critical for UNAMA to continue its operations during this challenging period. At the ongoing UN General Assembly, UNAMA’s work and the overall situation in Afghanistan must not fall through the proverbial cracks.

 

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Monday, September 12, 2022

International Policy Digest: Russia is Burning all Sorts of Bridges

 

"Russia is Burning all Sorts of Bridges"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

World News

International Policy Digest

11 September, 2022

Originally published: https://intpolicydigest.org/russia-is-burning-all-sorts-of-bridges/

Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president, made headlines in early August when he published a lengthy statement that labeled Kazakhstan as an “artificial state” and warned Nur-Sultan of a Ukraine-like scenario. Unfortunately, rather than constructive and bridge-building, comments like these continue to create a divide between Russia and its allies.

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Monday, September 5, 2022

The Diplomat: " Kazakhstan and Singapore Look to Boost Economic Links "

 

"Kazakhstan and Singapore Look to Boost Economic Link"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Crossroads Asia

The Diplomat

3 September 2022

Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2022/09/kazakhstan-and-singapore-look-to-boost-economic-links/

Investment opportunities in the trade and commerce sectors, particularly related to transportation and the Middle Corridor, may prompt closer bilateral ties.

 

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Thursday, September 1, 2022

Shephard Media: "Moldova unveils meagre defence budget growth amid lingering Russian threat"

 

"Moldova unveils meagre defence budget growth amid lingering Russian threat"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Defence Notes

Shephard Media

1 September 2022

Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-notes/moldova-unveils-meagre-defence-budget-growth-amid-lingering-russian-threat/

Despite the latest incremental increase to its defence budget and the danger of the war in Ukraine spilling over into Transnistria, funding remains too low for Moldova to buy new military hardware.

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